Ericsson acquires Azuki Systems

In a move designed to extend its TV Everywhere capabilities, television and media management specialist Ericsson is to acquire Massachusetts-based Azuki Systems, which provides delivery platforms for service providers, content owners and broadcasters.

According to Ericsson, Azuki Systems extends Ericsson’s leading TV and media portfolio which includes the recent addition of Mediaroom from Microsoft. Through the acquisition, Ericsson will accelerate the availability of new and compelling viewing experiences across a variety of devices and screens. In addition, Ericsson will gain additional key functionality related to the deployment of TV Anywhere services, including adaptive bit rate and content protection technologies. In addition, the acquisition brings a team of highly skilled software engineers from Azuki Systems.

Per Borgklint, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Support Solutions at Ericsson, said: “We are executing on our TV and Media strategy and Azuki adds key technologies and capabilities to extend our market leadership position. Traditional TV is shifting rapidly towards TV Anywhere. Azuki Systems further positions Ericsson to help customers deliver on the Networked Society’s global demand for customized and personalised media experiences that include content on any screen, any time across any network.”

Cheng Wu, CEO and co-founder of Azuki Systems, said: “Service providers, content owners and broadcasters face a range of challenges as they race to make content available on any device. Through worldwide deployments of our proven next generation video delivery solution, we have helped accelerate deployment and monetisation of TV Anywhere services. Continuing this work as part of Ericsson will ensure that customers globally will have the most advanced support as they aim to deliver the best services for their subscribers.”

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of February, 2014, subject to customary closing conditions. Azuki Systems will be incorporated into Ericsson’s Business Unit Support Solutions.